23
August
2010
|
15:43 PM
America/Los_Angeles

CSUSM Platinum Ball Ushers in New Era; Raises Scholarship Funds

CSUSM Platinum Ball Ushers in New Era; Raises Scholarship FundsTwenty years ago California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) was founded as the first public university to be built from the ground up in the United States in over two decades. Today, the campus is poised for a new and exciting phase in its institutional development.  During its 20th Anniversary Platinum Ball, over 300 guests celebrated the tremendous impact the university has had on the region, ushering in a new era of service and commitment to the historic mission of public higher education.Hosted on the expansive Kellogg Plaza and showcasing the beautiful 300-acre campus, the Platinum Ball was held from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 26.  For more than twenty years, this black-tie optional event has been one of the region's most elegant annual occasions.Special guests included founding CSUSM President Bill Stacy and his wife, Sue, and former CSUSM President Alexander Gonzalez and his wife, Gloria.  Gonzalez is currently the president of California State University Sacramento.During the program, the late Senator William A. Craven was honored for his essential contributions to the founding of CSUSM.  Fondly dubbed the "father" of CSUSM, Senator Craven began lobbying for a university in North County before he was elected to the Assembly in 1973.  Craven's family members, including his son, William Craven Jr., and his daughter Patricia Craven-Worley, were also in attendance.Emceed by San Diego News 8 Anchor Barbara Lee Edwards, the night's festivities included cocktails, dinner, dancing, and live entertainment by DreamWorld Cirque and Eye of Newt Circus.The evening concluded with an auction that raised $50,000 for student scholarships."We are grateful for the generous support of our friends," said CSUSM President Karen S. Haynes.  "Providing scholarships is one of the most important ways we can help our students meet the challenges of paying for their college education." CSUSM wishes to thank the Platinum Ball Honorary Committee Members: Jackie Bassett, Angela Bear, Ginger Bord, Rosita Botto-Hieb, Patricia Craven Worley, Vivian Doering, Frances Hunter, Judy La Bounty, Myrna Reese, Barbara Ward and Elsie Weston.CSUSM also thanks generous event sponsors:  Bob and Ruth Mangrum; the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians; C.W. Driver and NTD Architecture; EDCO Waste and Recycling Services; Edge Development; Hunter Industries; Palomar Pomerado Health; Swinerton Builders; Tri-City Medical Center; the CSUSM Alumni Association; Joe and Angela Bear; CSUSM College of Arts and Sciences; CSUSM College of Business Administration; Cox Communications; DJO; Genentech, Inc.; Markstein Beverage Company; Pala Band of Mission Indians; The Raymond Companies and (W)right On Communications; San Marcos University Corporation; Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association; Turner Construction; University Auxiliary & Research Services Corporation; and Urban Villages San Marcos.